Fight the GOOD Fight

When it’s time to fight a war, it’s best you know who the enemy is – and who it isn’t. – M. Nappa

During his kingship, Saul spent a great amount of time and energy pursuing David as his enemy. He should have just looked in the mirror for that. Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to do something worthwhile knows it often comes amid battle. Trying to live the righteous and Christian life is no different. However, the battles we fight are often of our own making and against our own ally (God) because of our hardness of heart and selfish desires. Like Paul we often ‘kick against the pricks’ when God is trying to work in corrections or bring blessings in our lives. Life would be much easier if we could get ourselves out of the way!

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” – Matthew 16:23

Responding In Righteousness

Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one. – Friedrich Nietzsche

Though Saul hated and tried to destroy him, David had nothing but love for God’s anointed man. WOW!

It happens time and time again. We come across obstinate, arrogant, defiant, evil intentioned people in our lives; in our jobs, in our homes, sometimes even in our church. It’s an almost constant battle where our righteousness is severely put to the test. A good tactician knows the easiest way to defeat an enemy is to get them out of their normal routine or comfort zone, and strike quickly; which is what our enemy constantly tries with us. And if we’re not careful we soon cross the line into no man’s land. But God calls on us to practice self-control, to respond in righteousness, and not repay evil for evil. Just as we hate to see our child or star pupil act out of character, so does our Heavenly Father. He’s counting on us to show the world what a saint really looks like.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified from the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:27

The Big Payback?

People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. – Anon

Pharaoh mocked every miracle of God until it cost him his own son. OUCH!

Revenge – oh how sweet it sounds. We often want it and often take it to our own later regret. True, our emotions are hard to control, but they can be controlled. God in His word tells us we must practice self-control, and we can master it; as it is one of the many ‘fruits’ of The Spirit. We tend to view life and all its circumstances through the eyes of justice and fairness, but everyone is not of the same mind. But God has said He will settle accounts in His time and in His way, our role is to live before HIM in a faithful, obedient manner no matter what man may do to us. God gave us His Son as our ultimate example, who even upon being executed (a lot worse than anything we will encounter) prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:30-31

Lay Your Fears To Rest

To fight fear - act; to increase fear - wait. – D. Schwartz

In the parable of the talents, the servant given one talent not only feared when his master was away, but cowered before him when he returned. OUCH!

Remember the things you feared as a child? Eventually as we grew older and wiser we overcame such silliness, hopefully. But fear is still a great tool of the enemy to keep us enslaved. We tend to fear those things we’re unsure of. But God has told us in His word we need not fear the enemy or any of his schemes if we put our faith and trust in HIM, for HE is the ‘great overcomer!’ There is nothing and no one greater than God. And, He’s still the same God today that He was yesteryear. Let Him put all your fears to rest.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – I John 4:18

Reminder: Today is the National Day of Prayer. May you add this to your prayer time. The theme for this year is “Lord, Pour Out Your Love, Life, and Liberty,” taken from 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Taking Your Stand

Sooner or later even the fastest runners have to stand and fight! - S. King

Even though Jonah ran away from the 'battle' God brought him right back to it. OUCH!

Jab and move! Jab and move! It's one of the first things a boxer learns. It seems anti-productive to the sports profession, where you get into a ring to try and out-punch or knock-out your opponent. But the idea of 'jab and move' is to be patient and wait for your opportunity. Eventually you will have to fight toe-to-toe but you want it to be on your terms. That's why they train for months at a time for a particular opponent. We all have a common opponent - Satan, who pursues us daily, and he knows how to cut the ring down to size to gain an advantage. Many of us are trying to defeat him by the simple 'jab and move' (half-hearted service, spotty attendance, little prayer time, etc....) but to truly victorious there comes a time we must stop, stand our ground and fight. Many times Jesus went into prayer (training) for what He knew lay ahead of him. The question we must all answer is 'are we in it to win it?' If so, let's prepare for the battles ahead.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand..........and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then...." - Ephesians 6:11-13

Knowing the REAL nemy

When it’s time to fight a war, it’s best you know who the enemy is – and who it isn’t. – M. Nappa

During his kingship, Saul spent a great amount of time and energy pursuing David as his enemy. He should have just looked in the mirror for that. Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to do something worthwhile knows it often comes amid battle. Trying to live the righteous and Christian life is no different. However, the battles we fight are often of our own making and against our own ally (God) because of our hardness of heart and selfish desires. Like Paul we often ‘kick against the pricks’ when God is trying to work in corrections, or bring blessings in our lives. Life would be much easier if we could get ourselves out of the way!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” – Matthew 16:23

We Will Win!

It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it. – Douglas MacArthur

David often sought God’s will before

he sought his enemy. Hmm!

Reveille! Alarm clock! Sunrise! Whatever the means, we’re all awake for Today. It’s here and coming on strong whether we like it or not. As you embark upon your day, remember you are at war. Not only with the current pandemic but with all the changes it has brought along to our normal way of life, our physical gatherings, proximity, and fellowship. The enemy will be targeting your heart and mind, firing away to make you doubt your faith and lose your focus. Make sure you dress properly for the battle otherwise you are sure to become a casualty of war.

Until Monday….

Pastor Botts

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can

take your stand against the devil’s schemes….” - Ephesians 6:11

P.S. - Praying all is well and that you can join us online this Sunday at 9:30am.

The Good with the Bad

Those whom heaven blesses, hell curses. – Anon

Paul had great successes in building and establishing churches but suffered massive persecution, afflictions, and even threats from within and without. Hmm!

In war, it cannot be overstated that one should always know their enemy and his tactics, or it could prove fatal. It’s a simple fact that we often overlook. We tend to forget in our Christian walk that we’re at war; fighting for or working out our salvation. And just as we start off with 'new mercies' everyday, the enemy plans new strategies and attacks to upset us. Yes we are ‘marked’ for easy identification by the enemy, but we only need be reminded we carry a powerful cross, not a bullseye. The question we have to answer is do we want the blessings?

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 7

Today's question: What does this chapter tell us about the way(s) of sin/folly?

Hold Press and Push On

Whoever said anybody has a right to give up! – M. W. Edelman

Joseph, Moses, Job, Ruth, Stephen. In spite of their adversity and opposition quitting was not in their nature, but God was. They all won glory for him. Amen!

It is said that the man who is successful is just someone who held on a little longer. The greatest tool of the enemy is discouragement. He knows if discouragement is employed enough in our lives we will often quit or give up, believing the goal is unattainable or not worth the effort. The enemy will see to it that things go wrong, dreams get delayed, education gets off-track, prayer and meditation time is pushed aside, suffering and heartache come, etc. – that’s his job and he does it well – but we’re told to ‘fight’ through it all and keep the faith. God has called us to hold on until the end for He is faithful in His promises. Even if we can’t see the goal with our own eyes, we know it’s there by faith – so we press on. Is it in you?

Until Monday…..

Pastor Botts

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross….Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:2,3

P.S. - Don't forget to bring your Voting Ballots back this Sunday!

Seeking Revenge will get you Burned

People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. – Anon

Pharaoh mocked every miracle of God until it cost him his own son. OUCH!

Revenge – oh how sweet it sounds. We often want it and often take it to our own later regret. True, our emotions are hard to control, but they can be controlled. God in His word tells us we must practice self-control, and we can master it; as it is one of the many ‘fruits’ of The Spirit. We tend to view life and all its circumstances through the eyes of justice and fairness, but everyone is not of the same mind. But God has said He will settle accounts in His time and in His way, our role is to live before HIM in a faithful, obedient manner no matter what man may do to us. God gave us His Son as our ultimate example, who even upon being executed (a lot worse than anything we will encounter) prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:30-31

Keeping Unity

When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers! – African Proverb

Paul pleaded with both Euodia and Syntyche to get along, otherwise the CHURCH loses. That’s sound advice. AMEN!

As brother’s and sisters in Christ our main goal should be to ‘endeavor to keep the unity of the body through the bonds of peace.’ When we spar and spat with each other on non-essentials to the Christian faith, many outsiders take their cue and turn away, and outreach is hampered. Jesus said where 2 or 3 gather in His name He is present. The key is to be united in spirit. Remember, we’re Christian only, but not the only Christians!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me.” – John 17:20-23

Out of Character

Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one. – F. Nietzsche

Though Saul hated and tried to destroy him, David had nothing but love for God’s anointed man. WOW!

It happens time and time again. We come across obstinate, arrogant, defiant, evil intentioned people in our lives, on our jobs, and sometimes even in our homes. It’s an almost constant battle where our righteousness is severely put to the test. A good tactician knows the easiest way to defeat an enemy is to get them out of their normal routine or comfort zone, and strike quickly; which is what our enemy constantly tries with us. And if we’re not careful we soon cross the line into no man’s land. But God calls on us to practice self-control, to respond in righteousness, and not repay evil for evil. Just as we hate to see our child or star pupil act out of character, so does our Heavenly Father. He’s counting on us to show the world what a saint looks like.

Until tomorrow…….

Pastor Botts

“I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified fro the prize.” – I Corinthians 9:27

Revenge to Ashes

People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes. – Anon

Pharaoh mocked every miracle of God until it cost him his own son. OUCH!

Revenge – oh how sweet it sounds. We often want it and often take it to our own later regret. True, our emotions are hard to control, but they can be controlled. God in His word tells us we must practice self-control, and we can master it; as it is one of the many ‘fruits’ of The Spirit. We tend to view life and all its circumstances through the eyes of justice and fairness, but everyone is not of the same mind. But God has said He will settle accounts in His time and in His way, our role is to live before HIM in a faithful, obedient manner no matter what man may do to us. God gave us His Son as our ultimate example, who even upon being executed (a lot worse than anything we will encounter) prayed for the forgiveness of his persecutors.

Until Monday……

Pastor Botts

“For we know him who said, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ and again, ‘The Lord will judge his people.’ It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” – Hebrews 10:30-31

P.S. - Don't forget our Sunday School devotional this Sunday @ 9AM.

Fear Not

To fight fear - act; to increase fear - wait. – D. Schwartz

In the parable of the talents, the servant given one talent not only feared when his master was away, but cowered before him when he returned. OUCH!

Remember the things you feared as a child? Eventually as we grew older and wiser we overcame such silliness, hopefully. But fear is still a great tool of the enemy to keep us enslaved. We tend to fear those things we’re unsure of. But God has told us in His word we need not fear the enemy or any of his schemes if we put our faith and trust in HIM, for HE is the ‘great overcomer!’ There is nothing and no one greater than God. And, He’s still the same God today that He was yesteryear. Let Him put all your fears to rest.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – I John 4:18

Know your enemy

When it’s time to fight a war, it’s best you know who the enemy is – and who it isn’t. – M. Nappa

During his kingship, Saul spent a great amount of time and energy pursuing David as his enemy. He should have just looked in the mirror. Hmm!

Anyone who has ever tried to do something worthwhile knows it often comes amid battle. Trying to live the righteous and Christian life is no different. However, the battles we fight are often of our own making and against our own ally (God) because of our hardness of heart and selfish desires. Like Paul we often ‘kick against the pricks’ when God is trying to work in corrections, or bring blessings in our lives. Life would be much easier if we could get ourselves out of the way!

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.’” – Matthew 16:23

Peace Project

The way to win an atomic war is to make sure it never starts. – O. Bradley

To save his life Jacob’s mother sent him away to relatives he’d never met. It was a wise move. Hmm!

If you think about it, war is actually a last resort. It is the result of failed attempts to resolve an issue, and atomic war is a desire to completely annihilate the enemy. Often, if we’re not careful we find ourselves not only in a war, but an atomic one, rueing the birth of our enemy. This should not be, for as people of God we’re called to live at peace with our neighbor. It’s not easy at times, but we must remember God will not accept excuses at the door of heaven. The way to win a fight - keep the peace, the way to win an argument – speak only in love; and the way to best Satan – stay in company with God. Peace I leave with you!

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath…” – Romans 12:18-19

The Bigger Picture

When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers! – African Proverb  

Paul pleaded with both Euodia and Syntyche to get along, otherwise the CHURCH loses. That’s sound advice. AMEN!  

As brother’s and sisters in Christ our main goal should be to ‘endeavor to keep the unity of the body through the bonds of peace.’ When we spar and spat with each other on non-essentials to the Christian faith, many outsiders take their cue and turn away, and outreach is hampered. Jesus said where 2 or 3 gather in His name He is present. The key is to be united in spirit. Remember, we’re Christian only, but not the only Christians!

Until tomorrow…..  

Pastor Botts  

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me.” – John 17:20-23